In a session of the Jatiya Sangsad, Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam revealed that Bangladesh Railway currently handles only around 3 to 4 percent of the country’s total domestic freight. The minister acknowledged that the majority of goods are transported via road and inland waterways. Responding to a tabled question from a ruling party lawmaker, Alam stated, 'At present, Bangladesh Railway’s share of the country’s total domestic freight transport is very limited, accounting for approximately 3 to 4 percent. Most freight is transported through road and waterway networks.'
To address this, the Railways Ministry has devised short, medium, and long-term strategies aimed at enhancing the railway’s freight handling capacity and increasing revenue. Alam noted, 'The ministry has undertaken different plans to increase Bangladesh Railway’s freight transport capacity and revenue earnings.'
Key initiatives include operating a larger number of freight trains by utilizing double-track facilities on major commercial routes such as the Dhaka-Chattogram corridor and other important railway sections. The ministry is also working on procuring new freight wagons and locomotives to strengthen operational capacity.
Additionally, the government is focusing on expanding regional and sub-regional railway connectivity, establishing Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and logistics hubs, and ensuring the commercial utilization of mega railway projects to boost freight transportation. Alam expressed optimism that these initiatives would significantly increase the share of rail freight in the country’s overall goods transport system in the coming years.
The current low share of rail freight in Bangladesh’s transport system reflects broader challenges in the sector, including infrastructure limitations and competition from road and waterway transport. However, the government’s strategic focus on enhancing rail capacity indicates a commitment to diversifying the freight transport landscape and reducing dependency on road and waterways.
